Dodgers: Setup Man Joe Blanton Signs With Nationals

Washington Nationals reportedly signed former Dodgers setup man, Joe Blanton.

Joe Blanton, 36, is coming off one of his best seasons of his career with the Dodgers. Blanton finished the season 7-2 with a 2.48 era, 80 innings pitched in 75 appearances.

Blanton played a key role in reestablishing the back end of the bullpen for the Dodgers, leading the team with 28 holds. In the 2015 season without Blanton, the Dodgers bullpen ranked 19th in the league with a 3.91 bullpen era. Last season the bullpen finished 1st with a 3.35 era.

Blanton reportedly received a one-year, $4 million deal with the Nationals. The Dodgers were out of the Blanton sweepstakes when they signed Sergio Romo.

Blanton doesn’t figure to settle in as the Nationals closer. But he’ll likely remain in the late-inning role for the Nats who finished 2nd in bullpen era.

Losing Blanton to the Nationals could leave a big hole in the Dodgers bullpen. Considering that Blanton only signed a $4 million deal, it doesn’t seem like a steep price to pay for Blanton who was second in the bullpen in WAR last season.

I understand why Andrew Friedman would be hesitant to bring back the 36-year-old. While Blanton did have a tremendous impact on the Dodger success last year, his last two seasons saved his career when he derailed as a starter in 2013.

Friedman and the Dave Roberts are going to rely on a setup man by committee without Blanton. Pedro Baez, Sergio Romo, and Adam Liberatore are the likely candidates to bridge the way to Kenley Jansen this season.

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Baez is a hard-throwing right-hander that at times struggles with commands and giving up the long ball. Romo is a slider specialist that has very good success against right-handers and provides a great deal of playoff experience. Liberatore looks to build off a great rookie season.

There is no shortage of options for Roberts to pitch the 8th, so letting Blanton walk was inevitable. We can only hope the Dodgers are able to replace Blanton’s production with one of these younger arms.

Blanton joins Howie Kendrick as key players from last year’s roster to change teams this season. Let us know what you think about Blanton signing with the Nationals!

Next: Dodgers Inquired On Verlander

Do you think the Dodgers made a mistake by letting Blanton walk? Who do you think should be the primary setup man?